At Shinfield St Marys, we follow Scarf’s whole school approach to PSHE teaching and learning; promoting positive behaviour, mental health, wellbeing, resilience and achievement. This feeds into our everyday learning across all subjects.

Lessons happen for a minimum of 45 minutes a week of explicit quality first teaching but will also happen through small group work, class discussion, themed days, assemblies, circle and worry times.

The pedagogical approaches to the teaching of PSHE at Shinfield School are parallel to the approaches and principles of teaching in other subject areas, with the key elements being:

 • Teachers ensuring that pupils see the ‘purpose’ of each lesson and the content in relation to their lives

• Deliberate and intentional retrieval of previous knowledge to build on previous learning

• Exceptionally positive relationships in school that create the conditions conducive to effective learning

• Making reference to the school rules, values, and the class purpose and culture when teaching; this supports pupils to contribute and engage in lessons and be part of a class community striving to unlock each member’s potential.

Our PSHE lessons are matched to the needs of the learners and provide an inclusive environment where they can feel comfortable and safe to discuss issues they are worried or feel anxious about. PSHE education continues to play an important role for learners with SEND — rehearsing and embedding the practical skills and understanding they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives and enjoy safe and healthy relationships. PSHE lessons provide an inclusive environment where learners have the opportunity to explore and reflect upon issues that affect them and can develop strategies and skills to manage different real-life situations.

We use a range of extra opportunities to enhance PSHE:

• Visiting speakers, such as: road safety representatives, police, and representatives from the local church, whom we invite into the school to talk about their role in creating a positive and supportive local community.
• Practical activities that promote active citizenship, e.g. social justice fundraising, the planning of school special events such as Sports Relief, Red Nose Day or Eco-Week. 
• School council representatives from each class meet regularly to discuss school matters.
• Residential visit to North Wales in Year 6 where there is a particular focus on developing pupils’ self-esteem and opportunities to develop leadership and cooperative skills.
• Eco-Week.
• Eco-school: Eco-school representatives from each class meet regularly to monitor and suggest new ways in which the school can lessen its impact on the environment.
• Year Group Ambassadors and Senior Pupils
• Playground Pals – Playground peer support
• Assemblies
• Displays: including values and well-being displays.
• PSHE Life Bus and Workshops.
• Racial equity
• Collective Worship
• After School clubs
• Therapeutic Thinking approach to behaviour.